The end of the summer journeys

I'm back home from the last of my summer trips having utterly neglected my blog in the past couple of weeks.  So I thought I would mark my return with the simple story of somebody  I met this summer in Taize.  In three weeks time this particular chap is going to enter a Benedictine monastery.  He is bright, gentle and has a wonderful life to his faith.  He showed a tremendous ability to communicate with people, especially those struggling in matters of faith.  As it turned out we were at the same university at the same time and he grew up in the town where I teach now.  He is just 25 and he has taken a great deal of effort to discern his calling over the past two years.   To meet somebody like this who has an excellent law degree and could have carved himself a very different material path really was so uplifting.   His love of God and desire to follow that above all else has been something wonderful to encounter this summer and I thought I would share this encounter with you. I wondered if you might be so kind as to pray from him since I am sure he will be an asset to our Church but, like the rest of us, needs a little support long his way.

The tabernacle and picture of Our Lady next to the altar

The altar and cross used for veneration at Taize

Areas where the brothers pray, sing and meditate